The passing of long-time NFL assistant Mike Heimerdinger hit the league hard on Saturday morning. ’Dinger was extraordinarily well liked by all the coaches, players, and media members he crossed paths with over the years.

We’ve seen a number of remembrances of Heimerdinger thus far and wanted to pass along some of them.

From Heimerdinger’s former college roommate, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan: ”We lost a very special person and my best friend in Mike Heimerdinger. I know the man upstairs needed a superstar so he took him earlier than we all wanted. His love for his family was unprecedented and I will forever miss him.”

From the Denver Broncos: “The Denver Broncos are heartbroken to learn of Mike Heimerdinger’s passing on Friday night following his courageous battle with cancer. Mike coached for the Broncos during the most successful period in team history, highlighted by the club’s back-to-back World Championship seasons of 1997-98. Known affectionately as Dinger, Mike earned respect and admiration from this franchise and around the NFL for his grit, passion and ‘never-give-up’ attitude.

“He remained close with several members of the organization following his final year with the Broncos in 2007, including some who visited him last week before the team’s game in Tennessee.

“The Broncos extend their deepest sympathies and prayers to Mike’s wife, Kathie, and the rest of his family and friends during this most difficult time.”

Jay Cutler to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean: “Anyone that crossed paths with Mike grew to love him. I gained so much respect 4 Mike during my time [with him]. I loved the way Mike approached life and how he attacked cancer in that same manner.”

Titans coach Mike Munchak to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean: “ “My prayers are with his family. Mike was a great football coach. Over the years, we had a great relationship. I learned a lot of football from Mike and I have a number of great memories and experiences that will always be with me. It is just hard to believe his is gone.” It is a sad day for his family and for those who knew him.”

Paul Kuharksy of ESPN.com has a nice piece on Heimerdinger worth checking out.

Peyton Manning to Chris Mortensen of ESPN: “ ”Mike Heimerdinger was a heck of a guy and and a heck of a coach. . . . He was a man’s man, I appreciated his friendship. I am sorry and sad about his passing; he will be missed… prayers are with his family.”